Matt Bowen insists he will not be a straight replacement for Sam Tomkins as he prepares to make his Super League debut for champions Wigan.
The 31-year-old Australian has been recruited to fill the void created by the move of Tomkins in the opposite direction to the NRL but he bristles at the comparisons inevitably being made with the England full-back, who was Super League's Man of Steel in 2012.
"When I knew I was coming here, I watched Wigan's games at the back end of last year and Sam played well," Bowen told Press Association Sport. "I just want to play my own game.
"Sam's no Matt Bowen and I'm no Sam Tomkins. I wish him all the best in the NRL. It's a big move for him but I'm sure he will go well. "I just want to play consistent footie and help the team any way I can."
The 5ft 9in Bowen has been just as big a star for North Queensland Cowboys as Tomkins was for Wigan, with his record tally of 130 tries, many of them brilliant long-range efforts, in 270 appearances illustrating his attacking flair.
He toured Europe with the Kangaroos in 2004, winning his only cap against France in Carcassonne, and would have added considerably to his 10 State of Origin appearances for Queensland but for the presence of Billy Slater.
Bowen, who was Dally M full-back of the Year in 2007, had hoped to remain a one-club man but the Cowboys, mindful of the series of operations that have taken a toll on both knees, declined to give him a new contract and instead offered him a development role to keep him in Townsville.
"They wanted me to work at the club but I wasn't finished playing and Wigan gave me a chance to play over here," Bowen side. "I have to thank them for that and hope I can repay them by playing some good footie this year. I always wanted to play in the Super League and what better place than the Warriors!
"I come over with an open heart, willing to learn a bit more."
Wigan coach Shaun Wane is excited by the arrival of the talented Queenslander and intends to manage his high-profile recruit by giving further opportunities to teenage full-back Ryan Hampshire, while Bowen himself is confident his knees can stand up to the rigours of Super League.
"It won't be a problem," he said. "The coaching staff are well aware what training goes on. They've been great about it. It's been good and I hope it stays that way." Bowen has initially signed a 12-month deal but is confident of being in a position to take up an option for 2015.
"I hope so," he said. "I just want to see how the start of the season goes. "My family comes over next month and we'll see if they like it. If we both come to the decision to stay, I'll stay."
Thirteen years after making his NRL debut, Bowen is eagerly anticipating his fresh start and admits he could have a point to prove back home when he goes up against Sydney Roosters in the World Club Challenge at the Sydney Football Stadium on February 22.
"I hope so," he said. "But it's got to transfer on the field. I can't just keep saying it. I've got to have a good game and see what happens after that.
"With the Roosters we've got a big task ahead of us. We've got to start the season here and then go back to Oz and play them. It's going to be a big challenge but I'm sure we'll be up for it."
